Are you passionate about shaping the future of responsible forest management? FSC is revising its core forest management standards, Principles & Criteria (P&C), International Generic Indicators (IGI), and other forest management normative documents (collectively referred to as PCI). This process aims to address emerging global challenges, provide more clarity, enhance streamlining and make FSC’s standards more outcome-oriented and user-focused.
We are pleased to announce the reopening of applications for roles to support the PCI Working Group (WG) and invite expressions of interest for the following roles.
Open positions
- One expert with strong experience in natural forest management
- One expert with strong expertise in Biodiversity and High Conservation Value (HCV)
- Researcher (observer role)
Application period: 12 February – 26 February 2026
This two-week reopening will include targeted outreach via regional offices and network partners.week reopening will include targeted outreach via Regional Offices and Network Partners.
Important: Applicants who have already applied do not need to resubmit their application unless they wish to be considered for one of the newly advertised positions (natural forest management or biodiversity/HCV expert).
Get Involved
Would you like to contribute to this important global revision process? Below you will find information about the structure of the PCI Working Group and opportunities to participate.
Working Group Composition
- The PCI Working Group consists of:
Six FSC members, representing the social, environmental, and economic chambers, with balanced representation from southern and northern perspectives.
In addition, a permanent group of five experts will participate alongside the Working Group throughout the process. These experts will contribute to specific workstreams, including:
- Indigenous Peoples
- Climate
- Certification bodies
- Natural forest management
- Biodiversity/HCV
Please refer to the draft Terms of Reference for detailed information on roles and responsibilities of the PCI Working Group. The final Terms of Reference and final composition of the WG will be approved at FSC’s 105th Board of Directors Meeting in March.
Profile of the additional WG experts’ roles
The experts will be part of the five-member expert group supporting the Working Group.
Natural Forest Management Expert
Selection criteria:
- Practical experience in natural temperate or boreal forest management
- Academic background in forest management, forest ecology, forest monitoring, or related fields
- Knowledge of and experience with FSC systems and procedures
- Ability to review documents and provide feedback in English
- Commitment to FSC’s mission and vision
Biodiversity and High Conservation Value Expert
Selection criteria:
- Practical experience in biodiversity conservation and HCV approach implementation
- Academic background in forest management, forest ecology, forest monitoring, or related fields
- Knowledge of and experience with FSC systems and procedures
- Ability to review documents and provide feedback in English
- Commitment to FSC’s mission and vision
Note: Gender and diversity balance will be considered in the final appointment.
Researcher
Selection criteria:
- Academic background: currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme in a relevant field;
- Familiarity with FSC and relevant topics, e.g. forestry, land management, governance and environmental policy, if relevant to your work;
- Ability to follow ethical research standards, including confidentiality, informed consent, and non‑interference.
Stipends
To support equitable participation and attract the most qualified candidates, FSC is offering the possibility of a stipend to acknowledge the time and commitment required.
Full stipends will be provided to WG members and experts who attend all scheduled meetings, calls, and consultation webinars (allowing for certain well-justified absences). The stipend is a fixed annual amount of USD 6,720, prorated if duties cover less than 12 months or if the position ends early.
Learn More About the PCI Revision
To learn more about the PCI revision process, please visit the dedicated website - PCI Hub - which offers resources such as webinar presentations, green papers on key topics, videos, reports, and more.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at forestmanagement@fsc.org.
How to apply
Please submit your expression of interest by Thursday, 26 February 2026 to the Forest management team at forestmanagement@fsc.org.
To ensure your application is assessed efficiently, please indicate the position in the email subject line, specify in the email body your FSC chamber affiliation (if applicable), relevant areas of expertise, and gender. Applicants should attach their CV and include a cover letter outlining their motivation for applying and their suitability for the role.
Do you know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this call!